Since I had errands to run in Clearwater last Wednesday, I grabbed my camera and drove up early to wander the trails at Lake Chautauqua Park beforehand. The morning was relatively cool, for this time of year, and I had a pleasant time exploring. Oddly enough, my previous visit was also in July, shortly after moving to Florida five years ago.

The highlight of my morning was watching a Swallow-tailed Kite swooping overhead. This was my first sighting of one here near the Gulf, as they seem to prefer the insect-rich agricultural fields in the middle of the state. It quickly became clear that it would be impossible for me capture a decent photo of this agile aerialist, so I put my camera away and just enjoyed the show. I know that soon this bird will be heading south, as the species winters in South America.

Moments like that deepen my appreciation for the parks and protected lands here in Pinellas County. Our peninsula may be the most densely populated county in the state but there are still places where nature thrives, thank goodness!